Table of Contents

Preface; 1. Iran under the Qajars; 2. Three Shahs, three wars, three reformers (1797–1896); 3. From revolts to the revolution (1880–1906); 4. The Constitutional Revolution: from illusion to reality (1905–08); 5. The nationalists' bitter victory (1908–12); 6. Iran in the Great War; 7. The end of the Qajars; 8. Rezā Khān to Rezā Shāh: defender of the nation; 9. From Persia to Iran: foreign relations; 10. The democratic awakening (1941–53); 11. The last reign of an immortal kingdom, Mohammad-Rezā Shāh; 12. An Islamic Republic in Iran; Conclusion lies and truth; Chronology; Bibliography; Index.

Promotional Information

An introduction to the history of Iran since 1800, covering key events up to the current Islamic Republic.

About the Author

Yann Richard is Professor Emeritus at the Université de la Sorbonne Nouvelle. A specialist of the history of contemporary Iran, Persian literature and the religious sociology of modern Shi'ism, he is the author of a number of books on modern Iran, and is also the co-editor of the 'Iran Studies' book series.

Reviews

'The book is well written, covers the main events in modern Iranian history up to the present, and will be an important source for scholars and others interested in understanding modern Iran.' G. M. Farr, Choice

'[Richard's] passion for the country shines through the chapters of this work. The views expressed are quite trenchant in tone. Within the confines of 300-odd pages, the book is able to provide a broad-sweep explanation of all the major watershed events …' The Commonwealth Lawyer Journal